Love in the Mid-Autumn: How to Celebrate Valentine's Day like a Local

Valentine's Day, also known as Qixi Festival or Chinese Valentine's Day, is a traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar. It commemorates the legend of Weaving Maiden and Cowherd, who are separated by a river but eventually reunited. The festival is filled with romantic tales and symbols that remind us of love's power.

As you explore this enchanting holiday with your loved one, you might be wondering what it means for non-Chinese speakers. After all, Valentine's Day has become a global celebration, transcending linguistic barriers. So let me guide you through some key terms and phrases to make your experience even more immersive:

七夕 (Qixi) - Literally meaning "the night of sevens," this term refers to July 7th when Qixi Festival takes place.

情人节 (Qīn rén jié) - This translates directly to "lover's day" or "sweetheart day." It captures the essence of celebrating love between two people.

牵牛织女传说 (Qiān niú zhī nǚ chuán shuō) - This phrase tells us about the ancient tale involving Weaving Maiden and Cowherd.

With these words under your belt, let’s dive into how locals celebrate this special day:

Gift-giving: Traditional gifts include mooncakes – round pastries symbolizing unity – paired with red envelopes filled with money.

Flower arrangements: Orchids represent chastity while osmanthus flowers symbolize reunion; they're often used in decorations and bouquets.

Moon gazing: Couples visit parks at night to admire the full moon together while sharing sweet treats like mooncakes or rice balls called tangyuan.

Embrace these customs as you celebrate alongside locals on 七夕，and discover why it remains an endearing tradition across generations!